This is where I talk about stuff...

For several days I had noticed that my Beagle, Zuzu, had been scratching. Of course, the first thought was fleas. But every time I checked her very white belly, I saw nothing. And the big Black Lab wasn't scratching so I just assumed Zuzu had dry skin, which considering how dry it's been in L.A. lately, was a good assumption. But every day, SCRATCH SCRATCH SCRATCH. Every day I would check but still, nothing.

Saturday morning, everything changed. Ben, the Lab, had been up all night scratching. Since he's all black, it's hard to see anything on him. I quietly walked over to Zuzu, who is snuggling with my husband on the bed, and gently rub her belly. That's when I saw it. One little flea zooming down her belly. AACCKK!

Now, sheets are flying off the bed, sofa covers are off, dog beds are upended and now we are all scratching as if those stupid things are all over us. Just writing this is making me itchy.

Lucky for me, though, I had a 10am photo shoot at the rescue. Me and my camera were waving (and maybe thumbing my nose) goodbye to my husband and daughter as they were stuck having to bathe both beasts. (Insert maniacal laugh.) See you later, suckha's!

I did get a little payback once at the kennel where the dogs are boarded. It was 10am and almost 95 degrees out. No shade, no fancy nothing at this place. It's us and the concrete! And the sun. The normally jovial, crazy bunch I work with, Julie and Ania, were definitely conserving energy as they still had a full day of adoptions down in Orange County! Thankfully, it was only 4 dogs that day (4 dogs too many, though) and we were done quickly. The dogs were champs and, as always, I am lucky to be doing this.

Daisy Mae is a 5 year old Yellow Lab. She's a sweet, happy, calm girl who needs to be in a home with adults. She has some sort of sensitivity in her ears. We can't figure out why but it's best she is with people who understand that. (Thankfully, there was an umbrella another volunteer let us use. YAY SHADE!)

This is Max. A Terripoo who is a joyous ball of love who wants nothing more than to be upon your lap. He is one and ready for you to love him forever.

Nori is a one year old Patterdale Terrier. A first for me. Did you know that these pups were bred to hunt boar?? Crazy, right? If you are in to that sort of thing, she's your girl. But if you just want a precious ball of goodness, Nori is your gal.

Yeah, I quoted Shakespeare. This is Romeo. One year old Papillon. "A rose by any other name..."

Back at home action is being taken to fight off the fleas. Dogs have been washed, 10 year old girlie screams have been screamed, and husband has started the two day campaign of washing every removable fabric we own.

Now, it's on to July 4th preparation. Where Thundershirts will be worn (the big Black Lab), bratwurst will be eaten, fireworks will be watched (from our rooftop) and where YOU will be sure to keep your animals safe. Remember, this is the biggest day of the year to lose your animals so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, keep them secured and safe. I do NOT want to take pictures of your dogs at the shelter.